Further information

2 Day Workshop: Writing & Managing Effective SOPs

Location 1: San Francisco, CAJul 19 - 20

Description

Every biopharmaceutical company has SOPs, and new staff members are told that the company “has to have them” and that each employee “has to follow them”. But why do there have to be SOPs and why must we follow them as written? And how can we do this effectively?

Most people naturally want to do a good job. Successful managers recognize this fact and seek to channel workers' efforts in ways that will benefit the business. Well-written standard operating procedures (SOPs) provide direction, improve communication, reduce training time, and improve work consistency. The purpose of a SOP is to provide detailed instructions on how to carry out a task so that any team member can carry out the task correctly every time. The SOP development process is an excellent way for managers, workers, and technical advisers to cooperate for everyone's benefit. A very positive sense of teamwork arises when these parties work together toward common goals.

Perhaps if everything always executed as planned then we would not need procedures, but this is not the case in the real world. An SOP or Standard Operating Procedure is used to ensure business processes are well thought through, that each task in a process is performed the same way every time, and important data is recorded, along with errors or deviations so corrective action can be taken. Standard operating procedures used in combination with planned training and regular performance feedback lead to an effective and motivated workforce. Managers and advisers benefit from consistent work performance and predictable results. Workers benefit from increased confidence and a clear sense of achievement.

Producing a high-quality product at a profit depends on the consistent operation of all systems within the company. SOPs describe the basic systems shared by all company employees. Company success depends on how well these systems work together to produce large volumes of high-quality product that is safe and effective for patients and consumers.

Good procedures and work instructions provide a way to communicate and apply consistent standards and practices within your organization.

GOOD procedures . . .

• save time and mistakes
• reduce training costs
• ensure consistent results
• empower the workforce
• get read and used
• support quality goals
• enable you to delegate work

But, BAD procedures, can be as disastrous as no procedures at all!

Bad procedures . . .

• cause errors and frustration
• increase training costs
• waste time and money
• detract from quality goals
• don’t get read or used
• Finally, for the above reasons, ALL regulatory agencies expect that a company shall have written procedures and such procedures will be followed. Just like “they” told you

Areas Covered

At The End Of The Seminar Attendees Will Have Learned:
• Why would I want SOPs?
• What will they do for me?
• How SOPs fit in with laws and regulations
• How to organize the SOP writing effort
• Steps to developing an SOP
• Presenting the SOP
• Educate employees about the new SOP
• Control procedural shift
• Set up an evaluation and review method for continuous SOP improvement

Who will Benefit

This hands-on seminar will help you with creating and following effective Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) to streamline your business and achieve compliance. This seminar will show you how to describe all the tasks that are essential for your business success, how to do these tasks, and who is responsible for the tasks listed.

Specific benefits include:

Reduced learning curve/training time for new employees

When someone is new on the job, your well-written and researched SOP can be a lifeline to them to be able to know how things work. For instance, you can ask your new employee to make all the arrangements for you to organize and attend a workshop in another city. By referring to the SOP, your new employee will know exactly which travel agency you use with their contact details, which type of car to hire/service to use, how many quotes to get regarding the venue, how to communicate with the workshop delegates, etc. without having to ask you about it all. It’s a great time-saver and confidence booster for the new employee.

Ensured business continuity

When a key staff member is on leave or not in the office for some reason, work does not have to stand still. By referring to the SOP someone else can take over the urgent tasks and do them correctly the first time.

Standardized processes

The SOP makes it easy to find out what policies and procedures are in place to handle repetitive situations/tasks.

Delegating tasks becomes a no-brainer

A good SOP will include the organogram of the business, as well as have a short job description and contact details for each staff member. If you need to delegate a certain task, you can see at a glance who will be able to help you or advise you. You can stop micromanaging, as it is clear who is responsible for what.

Ensure that your clients are getting the best possible experience with you

Because there is a standard way of dealing with client queries, refunds, promotions, follow-up etc., you can make sure that each client is treated fairly and equally, enhancing their interactions with you. You thus provide the best possible client service.

A SOP is a living document, which is subject to change. (It is good to review it quarterly). It is therefore useful to have it in electronic format on a web-based collaborative system so that all employees have access to the latest version.

Do you need to put together a clear and straightforward SOP, compiled in simple language to convey practical information. Your business will thank you for it!